Unit 4.5 Flashcard

Front

What is the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

Back

To introduce the Constitution and explain its goals

Answer explanation

The Preamble introduces the Constitution and outlines its goals, such as promoting justice and ensuring domestic tranquility, making it clear that its purpose is to set the stage for the document that follows.

Front

Liev and Lily are discussing the phrase "We the People" as it was understood in 1787. Which statement BEST describes this concept? Self-government/people hold the power, It granted equal rights and freedoms to all people living within the United States., It specifically excluded women, enslaved people, and Native Americans from participating in government., It referred only to those who owned property and were eligible to vote.

Back

Self-government/people hold the power

Answer explanation

The phrase "We the People" in 1787 emphasized self-government, indicating that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed, reflecting the belief that the people hold the power.

Front

During a class discussion, Liam and Anaya were exploring how the U.S. Constitution limits the powers of government. What did they discover?

Back

Through separation of powers, checks and balances, and protection of individual rights

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution limits government powers through separation of powers among branches, checks and balances to prevent abuse, and protection of individual rights, ensuring no single entity has unchecked authority.

Front

During a class discussion, Adrian and Olivia were exploring how the concept of the rule of law shapes governance in the United States. What did they conclude?

Back

It ensures that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law.

Answer explanation

The rule of law ensures that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are accountable to the law, promoting fairness and justice in governance.

Front

What is the main function of the legislative branch in our government?

Back

To create laws that reflect the needs and concerns of the people.

Answer explanation

The main function of the legislative branch is to create laws that reflect the needs and concerns of the people, making option c the correct choice. The other options describe functions of the judicial or executive branches.

Front

In their school government, how do students like Ella and Ricardo ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making? Options: a) By allowing students to directly propose and vote on school rules, b) By having students elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, c) By giving all power to the school principal and limiting the power of students, d) By creating a system where the student council president has complete control over the school

Back

By having students elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution establishes a representative democracy by allowing citizens to elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people.

Front

What are some key differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Back

The House has a shorter term length and represents smaller districts within states, while the Senate has a longer term and represents entire states.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is b) because the House of Representatives has shorter terms (2 years) and represents smaller districts, while the Senate has longer terms (6 years) and represents entire states.

Front

What are some specific powers granted to Congress by Article I of the Constitution?

Back

To declare war, coin money, regulate commerce, and establish post offices

Answer explanation

Article I of the Constitution grants Congress specific powers, including the ability to declare war, coin money, regulate commerce, and establish post offices, making this the correct choice.

Front

During a school government meeting, Owen and Ella are discussing the roles of different branches. Which of the following is a responsibility of the executive branch? To propose and vote on amendments to the Constitution, To declare laws unconstitutional and overturn them, To carry out and enforce laws passed by Congress, To represent the interests of citizens in a particular state

Back

To carry out and enforce laws passed by Congress

Answer explanation

The executive branch is responsible for carrying out and enforcing laws passed by Congress, making this the correct choice. The other options pertain to legislative or judicial functions.

Front

During a mock election in class, how did Kennedy and Liam decide to select the class president?

Back

Through the Electoral College

Answer explanation

The president of the United States is selected through the Electoral College, where electors from each state cast votes based on the popular vote in their state, rather than by direct popular vote or other methods.